ChurchSpace Raises $1.2M, Moves HQ to Detroit, and Partners with City to Transform Churches into Economic Engines
DETROIT, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold move blending faith, innovation, and economic revitalization, ChurchSpace has announced the close of a $1.2 million oversubscribed funding round, led by Black Ops Ventures, with additional participation from Dug Song of Minor Capital and Michigan Rise.
The startup is also relocating its national headquarters from Houston, Texas, to Detroit, Michigan — a city known for its rich spiritual legacy and entrepreneurial spirit — to deepen its mission of activating underutilized sacred spaces for modern-day community use.
As part of its national growth, ChurchSpace has also launched a historic partnership with the City of Detroit. This groundbreaking initiative will activate church campuses across Detroit not only as flexible event spaces and business hubs but also as micro-logistics and last-mile delivery centers — positioning churches as powerful engines of economic development, job creation, and community support.
"This raise is more than a business milestone—it's a testament to what happens when strategy meets faith. In today's climate, raising capital takes grit and resilience—especially without deep networks or traditional access. By God's grace, doors have opened, and our mission is clearer than ever. Now, with capital in hand, we're building boldly toward a future where the Church isn't just surviving—but leading community transformation. We're deeply grateful to our investors, supporters, champions, and our incredible team," said Emmanuel Brown, Co-CEO of ChurchSpace.
"What we built in Houston was more than technology—it was transformation. We expanded our purpose and packaged proven strategies to help churches thrive, transform communities, and even combat food insecurity. Now, with prayer and the support of our team and investors, we're bringing that same impact to Detroit—to help churches, communities, and small businesses redefine pulpits and rediscover communal possibilities," said Day Edwards, Founder of ChurchSpace.
Through this new model, ChurchSpace is equipping churches to host local businesses, pop-up markets, and community events while also serving as fulfillment hubs for food distribution, retail partnerships, and last-mile delivery services. By using existing, often underutilized real estate inside church campuses — such as fellowship halls, kitchens, and classrooms — ChurchSpace unlocks new streams of passive income for churches while helping small businesses reach local consumers faster and more affordably.
Already, churches on the ChurchSpace platform in Texas have generated up to $100,000 annually in new revenue—funds that have been reinvested into ministries, food programs, and community initiatives. In Detroit, ChurchSpace projects hundreds of direct and indirect jobs will be created in logistics support, delivery management, event hosting, and technical services.
Mayor Mike Duggan praised the partnership, noting the longstanding role churches have played in Detroit's community fabric.
"We welcome ChurchSpace's investment in Detroit and the jobs and innovation it will bring. Our faith community has long been a critical backbone of our neighborhoods. Through ChurchSpace's groundbreaking work, they will continue to be anchors of opportunity and resilience in our city's future," said Mayor Mike Duggan.
Investors also praised the vision behind ChurchSpace's mission:
"From Motown to ministry, Detroit's always had soul. ChurchSpace is bringing fresh tech to sacred spaces—helping churches thrive, serve, and connect across communities. We're proud to support their mission and welcome them to Detroit," said Dug Song, of Minor Capital.
"ChurchSpace is leveraging technology and network effects to transform underutilized space into a powerful resource for communities. We're thrilled to support their growth, especially as they start making an impact in Michigan," said Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at Michigan Rise.
"This investment is about more than scaling a platform—it's about scaling hope, resilience, and opportunity at the neighborhood level. ChurchSpace is exactly the kind of visionary innovation Black Ops Ventures is proud to back," said Antonia Dean, Principal at Black Ops Ventures.
Churches across Detroit are invited to apply to participate in the pilot program. Selected churches will be onboarded, equipped with new tools for space sharing, revenue generation, and logistics support, and will play a key role in building Detroit's next chapter of faith-powered economic growth.
To kick off the launch, ChurchSpace will host its Detroit Pastor Meetup on July 19, 2025 — an invitation-only lunch and learn event for pastors and church administrators to learn about ChurchSpace's model, share their needs, and begin building customized community solutions.
Interested churches can RSVP here:
RSVP LINK
About ChurchSpace
ChurchSpace is a tech startup building smart solutions for shared space and logistics through underutilized community infrastructure, helping churches transform their available real estate into purpose-filled spaces for businesses and the community.
Learn more:
Press Contact:
Sophie@bookchurchspace.com
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SOURCE ChurchSpace Inc.